Method and apparatus for controlling unlocking of electronic device based on operation mode of another electronic device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method for an electronic device. The method includes determining whether the electronic device is communicably connected to at least one of other electronic devices; and determining an operation mode of the electronic device depending on whether the electronic device is communicably connected to at least one of other electronic devices.

PRIORITY

The present application is related to and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to an application filed in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice on Dec. 12, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0154724, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatusfor sharing information associated with operations in a plurality ofelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

With the development of information communication technology andsemiconductor technology, various types of electronic devices have beendeveloped into devices for providing various multimedia services. Forexample, the electronic devices have provided various services, such asa messenger servicer, a broadcast service, a wireless Internet service,a camera service and a music playback service.

With the development of information communication technology, theelectronic devices are capable of being connected to one another by wireor wirelessly to transmit and receive a variety of information.

When the electronic devices are connected to one another by wire orwirelessly, there is inconvenience that a user selects or inputssettings of an electronic device separately with respect to theelectronic devices.

Furthermore, since the respective electronic devices include settinginformation set or input by the user, it is difficult to automaticallychange the setting information of the electronic devices so as to besuitable for service characteristics or use environment. Therefore, itis inconvenient for the user to change the setting information of therespective electronic devices so as to correspond to the settinginformation of the electronic devices according to servicecharacteristics or use environment.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus forcontrolling an operation state of at least one of other electronicdevices connected to an electronic device based on operation informationor use information of the electronic device.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operatingan electronic device includes determining whether the electronic deviceis communicably connected to at least one of other electronic devices;and determining an operation mode of the electronic device depending onwhether the electronic device is communicably connected to at least oneof other electronic devices.

The method may further include changing a security mode of theelectronic device when the electronic device is communicably connectedto the other electronic device, and the security mode may include one ormore of an authentication method, a number of times of authentication,and identity data.

The method may further include changing a time point at which theelectronic device switches to a deactivated mode when the electronicdevice is communicably connected to the other electronic device.

The determining of the operation mode of the electronic device includes,when the electronic device is communicably connected to anotherelectronic device, determining the operation mode of the electronicdevice based on characteristics of an application program which is beingexecuted in the other electronic device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice includes a communication unit; and a processor for determiningwhether the electronic device is communicably connected to at least oneof other electronic devices through the communication unit anddetermining an operation mode of the electronic device.

The processor may change a security mode of the electronic device whenthe electronic device is communicably connected to another electronicdevice through the communication unit, and the security mode may includeone or more of an authentication method, a number of times ofauthentication, and identity data.

The processor may change a time point at which the electronic deviceswitches to a deactivated mode when the electronic device iscommunicably connected to the other electronic device through thecommunication module.

When the electronic device is communicably connected to anotherelectronic device, the processor may determine the operation mode of theelectronic device based on characteristics of an application programwhich is being executed in the other electronic device when theelectronic device is communicably connected to another electronicdevice.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, acomputer-readable storage medium stores a program which causes acomputer to determine whether the electronic device is communicablyconnected to at least one of other electronic devices; and determine anoperation mode of the electronic device depending on whether theelectronic device is communicably connected to at least one of otherelectronic devices.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware orsoftware, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermay be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout thispatent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understandthat in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, aswell as future uses of such defined words and phrases

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration for connecting to another electronicdevice through a wired link in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which an electronic device is connected toanother electronic device through a wireless link according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a processor according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed block diagram of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for setting interworking of operation modesin an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 7A to 7B illustrates screen configurations for settinginterworking of operation modes in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to anactivated mode upon connection to another electronic device in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a process for transmitting operationstate information to another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a process for determining anoperation mode based on operation state information provided fromanother electronic device in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a process for transmittingdeactivated-mode switching information to another electronic device inan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to adeactivated mode according to information on switching to a deactivatedmode provided from another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing adeactivated-mode control variable depending on whether an electronicdevice is connected to another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing a securitymode depending on whether an electronic device is connected to anotherelectronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to anactivated mode upon the connection to another electronic device in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a process for selectively performinginterworking of operation modes with another electronic device in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to anactivated mode according to an activated mode switching informationprovided from another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of a process for sharing security stateinformation with another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to adeactivated mode upon the release of connection with another electronicdevice in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing a securitylevel according to a distance between an electronic device and anotherelectronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 20, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged electronic device. Hereinafter,exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described belowin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, detailed descriptions of well-known functions orconfigurations will be omitted since they would unnecessarily obscurethe subject matters of the present disclosure. Also, the terms usedherein are defined according to the functions of the present disclosure.Thus, the terms may vary depending on users' or operators' intentions orpractices. Therefore, the terms used herein should be understood basedon the descriptions made herein.

The present disclosure provides a technique for performing interworkingof operation modes with one or more other electronic devices in anelectronic device.

Examples of the electronic device according to the present disclosuremay include one or more of a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, amobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personalcomputer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant, aportable multimedia player, a MP3 player, an accessory, an appcessory, acamera, a wearable device, a wrist watch, a refrigerator, anair-conditioner, a cleaner, an intelligent robot, a television (TV), adigital video disk (DVD) player, an audio system, an oven, a microwaveoven, a washing machine, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace,an air cleaner, or a digital photo frame, a medical device, a navigationdevice, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, an event datarecorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), a set-top box, a TV box,an electronic dictionary, a vehicle infotainment device, an electronicequipment for ships, an avionics, a security device, an electronicclothing, an electronic key, a camcorder, a game console, a HMD(Head-Mounted Display), a flat panel display device, an electronicalbum, a furniture or a portion of a building/structure including anelectronic device, an electronic board, an electronic signaturereceiving device, and a protector. It is obvious to those skilled in theart that the electronic device according to the present disclosure isnot limited to the above-described devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration for connecting to another electronicdevice through a wired link in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first electronic device 110 may establish acommunication link with a second electronic device 120 by using a wiredlink 130. For example, the first electronic device 110 may establish acommunication link with the second electronic device 120 by using auniversal serial bus (USB). For example, the first electronic device 110may establish a communication link with the second electronic device 120by using a docking device connected to the second electronic device 120.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration for connecting to another electronicdevice through a wireless link in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first electronic device 210 may establish acommunication link with the second electronic device 220 by using awireless link 230. For example, the first electronic device 210 mayestablish a communication link with the second electronic device 220 byusing a short-range communication scheme. For example, the secondelectronic device 220 may include a wearable electronic device. Theshort-range communication scheme may include one or more of wirelesslocal area network (WLAN) communication, Bluetooth communication, nearfiled communication.

When the first electronic device 110 or 210 is connected to the secondelectronic device 120 or 220 by wired or wirelessly, the firstelectronic device 110 or 210 and the second electronic device 120 or 220may share operation information with another electronic device toperform interworking of operation modes. For example, the operation modeincludes a deactivated mode of the electronic device, such as ascreensaver mode, a power saving mode, or a locked mode, and anactivated mode of the electronic device, such as a standby mode or aservice mode. For example, the operation mode may include one or more offunctions capable of being executed in the electronic device, methodsfor executing the functions, and operational states of the functions.The standby mode refers to a state in which an application program for aspecific service is not executed in the electronic device and mayinclude a state in which a reference screen (for example, home screen)is displayed. The service mode may include a state in which anapplication program for a specific service is being executed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description,the electronic device 300 may include the first electronic device 110 or210 and the second electronic device 120 or 220 illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 300 may include a bus 310, aprocessor 320, a memory 330, an input unit 340, a display unit 350, anda communication unit 360. For example, at least one of the memory 330and the processor 320 may be plural.

The bus 310 may connect components included in the electronic device 300to one another and transfer information (for example, control message)which is transmitted and received between the components included in theelectronic device 300.

The processor 320 may perform control such that the electronic device300 provides various services. For example, the processor 320 may decodea command received from one or more other components (for example, thememory 330, the input unit 340, the display unit 350, or thecommunication unit 360) included in the electronic device 300 throughthe bus 310 and perform arithmetic operations or data processingaccording to the decoded command.

The processor 320 may perform control such that the electronic device300 provides various services, by executing one or more programs storedin the memory 330.

The processor 320 may execute a sharing control program 332 stored inthe memory 330, and therefore, share operation state information of theelectronic device 300 with one or more other electronic devices (forexample, an electronic device 302 or 304 or a server 364) with which thecommunication link is established through the communication unit 360.For example, when the electronic device 300 establishes a communicationlink with another electronic device, the processor 320 may transmit theoperation state information of the electronic device 300 to the otherelectronic device. In this case, the operation state information mayinclude one of activated state information of the electronic device 300,deactivated state information of the electronic device 300, andinformation related to an application program which is executed in theelectronic device 300. The other electronic device may be of the sametype as or a different type from the electronic device 300.

For example, when the electronic device 300 switches between operationmodes, the processor 320 may transmit the operation state information ofthe electronic device 300 to the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established.

For example, the processor 320 may control operation state of the otherelectronic device according to the operation state of the electronicdevice 300. For example, when the electronic device 300 operates in adeactivated mode, the processor 320 may transmit a signal for requestinga switching to a deactivated state to the other electronic devicethrough the communication unit 160. When the electronic device 300operates in an activated mode, the processor 320 may transmit a signalfor requesting a switching to an activated state to the other electronicdevice through the communication unit 160. The processor 320 maydetermine an operation mode of the other electronic device according tocharacteristics of the application program executed in the electronicdevice 300 and transmit information on the determined operation mode tothe other electronic device.

The processor 320 may determine whether to share the operation stateinformation of the electronic device with the other electronic devicewith which the communication link is established through thecommunication unit 360 by executing the sharing control program 332stored in the memory 330. For example, when the electronic device 300establishes the communication link with the other electronic device, theprocessor 320 may control the display unit 350 such that the displayunit 350 displays notification information 710 for determining whetherto share an operation mode as illustrated in FIG. 7A. The processor 320may determine whether to share operation state information with theother electronic device according to user input information providedthrough the notification information 710. For example, in the case ofsharing the operation state information with the other electronicdevice, the processor 320 may control the display unit 350 such that thedisplay unit 350 displays sharing setting message 730 as illustrated inFIG. 7B.

For example, when the electronic device 300 establishes a communicationlink with another electronic device, the processor 320 may determinewhether to share the operation state information with the otherelectronic device depending on a distance between the electronic device300 and the other electronic device. For example, when the distancebetween the electronic device 300 and the other electronic device isshorter than a reference distance, the processor 320 may determine thatthe electronic device 300 shares the operation state information withthe other electronic device.

The processor 320 may control an operation mode of the electronic device300 by executing a mode control program 333 stored in the memory 330.For example, when the electronic device 300 that operates in adeactivated mode establishes a communication link with anotherelectronic device by using a wireless link or a wired link, theprocessor 320 may switch the electronic device 300 to an activated mode.

For example, when the electronic device 300 that operates in adeactivated mode establishes a communication link with anotherelectronic device by using a wireless link, the processor 320 may switchthe electronic device 300 to an activated mode selectively depending ona distance between the electronic device 300 and the other electronicdevice. For example, when it is determined to share the operation stateinformation with the other electronic device by using the sharingcontrol program 332, the processor 320 may switch the electronic device300 to an activated mode. Also, when the distance between the electronicdevice 300 and the other electronic device is in a specified range, theprocessor 320 may switch the electronic device 300 to an activated mode.

For example, when receiving operation state information from anotherelectronic device with which the communication link is established, theprocessor 320 may determine an operation mode of the electronic device300 based on the operation state information of the other electronicdevice. For example, when the other electronic device is deactivated,the processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 300 operatesin a deactivated mode. When the other electronic device is activated,the processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 300 operatesin an activated mode. The processor 320 may determine in which mode ofthe activated mode and the deactivated mode the electronic device 300operates, depending on characteristics of an application programexecuted in the other electronic device.

For example, the processor 320 may change a deactivated-mode controlvariable of the electronic device 300 depending on whether theelectronic device 300 is connected to another electronic device throughthe communication link. For example, the deactivated-mode controlvariable may include a time point at which a switching to thedeactivated mode is performed.

For example, the processor 320 may change a security mode of theelectronic device 300 depending on whether the electronic device 300 isconnected to another electronic device through the communication link.For example, the processor 320 may change one or more of anauthentication method, the number of times of authentication, andidentity data depending on whether the electronic device 300 isconnected to another electronic device through the communication link.For example, the identity data may include one or more of a password, alock pattern, and a biometric identifier.

The memory 330 may store a command or data received from or generated byone or more components (the processor 320, the input unit 340, thedisplay unit 350, and the communication unit 360) included in theelectronic device 300.

The memory 330 may store one or more programs for services of theelectronic device 300. For example, the memory 330 may include one ormore of a communication control program 331, the sharing control program332, and the mode control application program 333.

The communication control program 331 may include at least one softwarecomponent for communicating with another electronic device through thecommunication unit 360.

The sharing control program 332 may include at least one softwarecomponent for sharing operation state information of the electronicdevice 300 with another electronic device with which the communicationlink is established through the communication unit 360.

The mode control program 333 may include at least one software componentfor controlling an operation mode of the electronic device 300. Forexample, the mode control program 333 may determine an operation mode ofthe electronic device 300 depending on whether the electronic device 300is connected to another electronic device the communication link. Asanother example, the mode control program 333 may determine an operationmode of the electronic device 300 based on operation state informationof another electronic device to which the electronic device 300 isconnected through the communication link.

At least one of the communication control program 331, and the sharingcontrol program 332, and the mode control program 333 may be implementedby using software, firmware, or a hardware (for example, circuits orcircuitry). Also, at least one of the communication control program 331,and the sharing control program 332, and the mode control program 333may be included in the electronic device 300 as a separate component andmay be included in another component.

The input unit 340 may detect an instruction or data which is input bythe user. For example, the input unit 340 may transmit an instruction ordata which is input by the user to the processor 320 or the memory 330through the bus 310. For example, the input unit 340 may include atleast one of a keypad including at least one hardware button and a touchpanel for detecting touch information.

The display unit 350 may display a still image, a moving image, or datato the user. For example, the display unit 350 may display informationabout application programs executed by the processor 320.

The communication unit 360 may communicably connect the electronicdevice 300 to at least one device 302 or 304, the server 364, or one ormore peripheral devices. For example, the communication unit 360 maysupport short-range communication protocols (for example, wireless localarea network (WLAN), Bluetooth, or near-field communication (NFC)),network communication protocols (for example, Internet, local areanetwork (LAN), wire area network (WAN), telecommunication network,cellular network, satellite network or plain old telephone service(POTS)), or wire communication protocols (for example, universal serialbus (USB) or high definition multimedia interface (HDMI)). For example,the communication protocol (for example, short-range communicationprotocol, network communication protocol, or wire communicationprotocol) may be supported by the middleware of the memory 330 and anapplication programming interface (API).

In the above-described embodiment, the processor 320 may share operationstate information of the electronic device 300 with another electronicdevice or determine an operation mode of the electronic device 300 byexecuting software components stored in the memory 330 in a singlemodule.

In another embodiment, the processor 320 may include components forsharing operation state information of the electronic device 300 withanother electronic device and determining an operation mode of theelectronic device 300 as separate modules, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a processor according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the processor 320 may include a sharing controlunit 400, a communication control unit 410, and a mode setting unit 420.

The sharing control unit 400 may determine whether to share operationstate information of the electronic device 300 with one or more otherelectronic devices with which the communication link is establishedthrough the communication unit 360. For example, the sharing controlunit 400 may determine whether to share the operation state informationof the electronic device with the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established by executing the sharing controlprogram 332 stored in the memory 330.

For example, when the electronic device 300 establishes thecommunication link with the other electronic device, the sharing controlunit 400 may perform control to display notification information 710 fordetermining whether to share an operation mode in the display unit 350as illustrated in FIG. 7A. The sharing control unit 400 may determinewhether to share operation state information with the other electronicdevice according to user input information provided through thenotification information 710.

For example, when the electronic device 300 establishes a communicationlink with another electronic device, the sharing control unit 400 maydetermine whether to share the operation state information with theother electronic device depending on a distance between the electronicdevice 300 and the other electronic device. For example, when thedistance between the electronic device 300 and the other electronicdevice is shorter than a reference distance, the sharing control unit400 may determine that the electronic device 300 shares the operationstate information with the other electronic device.

When it is determined to share the operation state information with theother electronic device, the sharing control unit 400 may share theoperation state information of the electronic device 300 with anotherelectronic device with which the communication link is establishedthrough the communication unit 360. For example, the sharing controlunit 400 may share the operation state information of the electronicdevice with the other electronic device connected with which thecommunication link is established through the communication unit 360 byexecuting the sharing control program 332 stored in the memory 330.

For example, when the electronic device 300 establishes a communicationlink with another electronic device, the sharing control unit 400 maytransmit the operation state information of the electronic device 300 tothe other electronic device.

For example, when the electronic device 300 switches between operationmodes, the sharing control unit 400 may transmit the operation stateinformation of the electronic device 300 to the other electronic devicewith which the communication line is established.

For example, the sharing control unit 400 may control operation state ofthe other electronic device according to the operation state of theelectronic device 300. For example, when the electronic device 300operates in an inactive mode, the sharing control unit 400 may transmita signal for requesting a switching to an inactive state to the otherelectronic device through the communication unit 160. When theelectronic device 300 operates in an active mode, the sharing controlunit 400 may transmit a signal for requesting a switching to an activestate to the other electronic device through the communication unit 160.The sharing control unit 400 may determine an operation mode of theother electronic device according to characteristics of the applicationprogram executed in the electronic device 300 and transmit informationon the determined operation mode to the other electronic device.

The mode setting unit 420 may control an operation mode of theelectronic device 300. The mode setting unit 420 may control anoperation mode of the electronic device 300 by executing a mode controlprogram 333 stored in the memory 330.

For example, when the electronic device 300 that operates in adeactivated mode establishes a communication link with anotherelectronic device by using a wireless link or a wired link, the modesetting unit 420 may switch the electronic device 300 to an activatedmode.

For example, when the electronic device 300 that operates in adeactivated mode establishes a communication link with anotherelectronic device by using a wireless link, the mode setting unit 420may switch the electronic device 300 to an activated mode selectivelydepending on a distance between the electronic device 300 and the otherelectronic device. For example, when it is determined to share theoperation state information with the other electronic device in thesharing control unit 400, the mode setting unit 420 may switch theelectronic device 300 to an activated mode. Also, when the distancebetween the electronic device 300 and the other electronic device is ina specified range, the mode setting unit 420 may switch the electronicdevice 300 to an activated mode.

For example, when operation state information is received from anotherelectronic device with which the communication link is established, themode setting unit 420 may determine an operation mode of the electronicdevice 300 based on the operation state information of the otherelectronic device. For example, the mode setting unit 420 may determinein which mode of the activated mode and the deactivated mode theelectronic device 300 operates, depending on characteristics of anapplication program executed in the other electronic device.

For example, the mode setting unit 420 may change a deactivated-modecontrol variable of the electronic device 300 depending on whether theelectronic device 300 is connected to the other electronic devicethrough a communication link. The deactivated-mode control variable mayinclude a time point at which a switching to the deactivated mode isperformed.

For example, the mode setting unit 420 may change a security mode of theelectronic device 300 depending on whether the electronic device 300 isconnected to another electronic device through a communication link. Forexample, the mode setting unit 420 may change one or more of anauthentication method, the number of times of authentication, andidentity data depending on whether the electronic device 300 isconnected to another electronic device through a communication link.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device may use theprocessor 320 to share operation state information of the electronicdevice 300 with another electronic device, or determine an operationmode of the electronic device 300.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include a separatemodule for sharing operation state information of the electronic device300 with another electronic device, or determining an operation mode ofthe electronic device 300.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed block diagram of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the followingdescription, the electronic device 500 may include the whole or partialconfiguration of the electronic device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device 500 may include at least oneprocessor 510, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card 514, amemory 520, a communication module 530, a sensor module 540, an inputmodule 550, a display 560, an interface 570, an audio module 580, acamera module 591, a power management module 595, a battery 596, anindicator 597, and a motor 598.

The processor 510 may include at least one application processor (AP)511 or at least one communication processor (CP) 513. For example, theprocessor 510 may include the processor 320 illustrated in FIG. 3. Forexample, the AP 511 and the CP 513 may be included in one processor 510as illustrated in FIG. 5, or may be respectively included in differentintegrated chip (IC) packages. The processor 510 may further include agraphics processing unit (GPU) (not illustrated).

The AP 511 may execute an operating system and an application program tocontrol a plurality of hardware or software components which areconnected to the AP 511 and perform data processing and data operationson various types of data including multimedia data. For example, the AP511 may be implemented by using, for example, a system on chip (SoC).

The CP 513 may perform a function of managing data links andtransforming communication protocols upon communication between theelectronic device 500 (for example, the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3)and other electronic devices (for example, the electronic device 302,the electronic device 304, or the server 364 in the FIG. 3) connectedthe electronic device 500 through a network. For example, the CP 513 maybe implemented by, for example, an SoC.

The CP 513 may perform at least one of multimedia control functions. Forexample, the CP 513 may perform identification and authentication forelectronic devices in a communication network by using, for example, asubscriber identification module (for example, the SIM card 514). Asanother example, the CP 513 may provide a user with services, such as avoice call, a video call, a short message service (SMS) message, orpacket data.

In addition, the CP 513 may control data transmission and reception ofthe communication module 530.

The SIM card 514 may be a card including a subscriber identity module ormay be inserted into a slot formed in a specific position of theelectronic device 500. For example, the SIM card 514 may include uniqueidentification information (for example, integrated circuit cardidentifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (for example,international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory 520 may include an internal memory 522 or an external memory525.

The internal memory 522 may include one or more of a volatile memory(for example, DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM(synchronous dynamic RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (for example,OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM(erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable andprogrammable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, NAND flash memory, or NOR flashmemory). The internal memory 522 may be a solid state drive (SSD).

The AP 511 or the CP 513 may load a command or data, which is receivedfrom at least one of a nonvolatile memory and another componentconnected to the AP 111 or the CP 113, into a volatile memory andprocess the same. The AP 511 or the CP 513 may store data received fromor generated by at least one of other components in the nonvolatilememory.

The external memory 525 may be an external memory such as a CompactFlash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro-Secure Digital (Micro-SD), aMini-SecureDigital (Mini-SD), an Extreme Digital (xD), a memory stick,etc. The external memory 525 may be functionally connected to theelectronic device 500 through various interfaces. According to anembodiment, the electronic device 500 may further include a storage (orstorage medium), such as a hard drive.

The communication module 530 may include at least one of a wirelesscommunication module 531 and a radio frequency (RF) module 535.

The wireless communication module 531 may include a WiFi module 533, aBluetooth module 535, a global positioning system (GPS) module 537, anda near-field communication module 539. For example, the wirelesscommunication module 531 may provide a wireless communication functionby using a radio frequency. In addition, the wireless communicationmodule 531 may include a network interface (for example, LAN card) or amodem which connects the electronic device 500 to a network (forexample, Internet, LAN, WAN, telecommunication network, cellularnetwork, satellite network, or POTS).

The RF module 534 may perform transmission and reception of data, forexample, transmission and reception of RF signals. For example, the RFmodule 534 may include a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), afrequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or the like. The RFmodule 534 may further include a component for transmitting andreceiving electromagnetic waves in free space for wirelesscommunication, for example, a conductor or a conductive line.

The sensor module 540 may measure a physical amount or detect theoperating state of the electronic device and convert measured ordetected information into electrical signals. For example, the sensormodule 540 may include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor540-A, a gyro sensor 540-B, a barometer 540-C, a magnetic sensor 540-D,an acceleration sensor 540-E, a grip sensor 540-F, a proximity sensor540-G, a RGB (red-green-blue) sensor 540-H, a biometric sensor 540-I, atemperature/humidity sensor 540-J, an illumination sensor 540-K, and anultra violet (UV) sensor 540-M. In addition to the componentsillustrated in FIG. 5, the sensor module 540 may further include atleast one of an E-nose sensor (not illustrated), electromyography (EMG)sensor (not illustrated), an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor (notillustrated), an electroencephalogram (ECG) sensor (not illustrated), aninfrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor (not illustrated), and afingerprint sensor. The sensor module 540 may further include a controlcircuit for controlling one or more sensors included in the sensormodule 540.

The input module 550 may include a touch panel 552, a pen sensor 554, akey 556, or an ultrasonic input device 558.

The touch panel 552 may recognize a touch input by using at least one ofa capacitive method, a resistive method, an infrared method, and anultrasonic method. In the case of using the capacitive method, physicalcontact or proximity recognition is possible in the touch panel 552. Thetouch panel 552 may further include a control circuit. The touch panel552 may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile effect to auser.

The pen sensor 554 may be implemented according to the same as orsimilar to a method of receiving the user's touch input, or by using aseparate recognition sheet.

The key 556 may include a physical button, an optical key, or a touchkey.

The ultrasonic input device 588 detects sound wave and identifies dataand allows for wireless recognition.

In addition, the electronic device 500 may receive a user input from anexternal device (for example, network, computer or server) through thecommunication module 530.

The display 560 may include a panel 562, a hologram 564 and a projector566.

The panel 562 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or anactive-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED) panel. The panel562 may be implemented to flexible, transparent or wearable. The panel562 and the touch panel 552 may be formed as one module.

The hologram 564 may enable a three-dimensional image to be viewed inspace using optical interference.

The projector 566 may project light onto a screen to display an image.For example, the screen may be disposed inside or outside the electronicdevice 500.

In addition, the display module 560 may further include a controlcircuit for controlling at least one of the panel 562, the hologram 564,and the projector 566.

The interface 570 may include a high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) 572, a universal serial bus (USB) 574, an optical interface 576,and a D-subminiature (D-sub) 578. Additionally, or alternatively, theinterface 570 may further include at least one of SD (secureDigital)/MMC (multi-media card) (not illustrated), IrDA (infrared dataassociation) (not illustrated), and MHL (mobile high-definition link(not illustrated)).

The audio module 580 may perform conversion between sound and anelectric signal bi-directionally. For example, at least one component ofthe audio module 580 may be included in the electronic device 300illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the audio module 580 may processsound information input or output through input and output devices, suchas a speaker 582, a receiver 584, an earphone 586, and a microphone 588.

The camera module 591 may capture a still image and a moving image. Forexample, the camera module 591 may include one or more of one or moreimage sensors (for example, a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens(not illustrated), an image signal processor (ISP) and a flash (notillustrated) (for example, LED or Xenon lamp).

The power management module 595 may manage power of the electronicdevice 500. For example, the power management module 595 may include apower management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit(charger IC), or a battery fuel gauge (or a fuel gauge). The PMIC may bemounted within an integrated circuit or an SoC semiconductor. Thecharger IC may charge the battery 596 and prevent an overvoltage or anovercurrent from being applied from a charger. The charger IC mayinclude a charger IC for at least one of a wired charging method or awireless charging method. The wireless charging method may include amagnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, or anelectromagnetic wave method.

The battery gage may measure a remaining power of the battery 596, or avoltage, a current, or a temperature during charging.

The battery 596 may store and generate electricity, and supply power tothe electronic device 500 using the stored or generated electricity. Thebattery 596 may include a rechargeable battery or a solar battery.

The indicator 507 may indicate state information of the electronicdevice 500 or a component (for example, the AP 511) included in theelectronic device 500. For example, the indicator 597 may display abooting state, a message state, a charging state, or the like.

The motor 598 may convert electrical signals into mechanical vibration.

Although not illustrated, the electronic device 500 may include aprocessing device (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU)) forsupporting a mobile TV service. For example, the processing device forsupporting a mobile TV service may process media data compliant with astandard, such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital videobroadcasting (DVB), or media flow.

The names of the above-described components of the electronic device 500according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be changedaccording to the type of the electronic device 500. Also, the electronicdevice 500 may include or exclude one or more of components of theabove-described components depending on the type of the electronicdevice 500 or may further include other additional components.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device 500 may includethe CP 513, the power management module 595, and the memory 520 ascomponents that are separate from the AP 511.

In the other embodiment, the electronic device 500 may be implementedsuch that the AP 511 includes at least one of the CP 513, the powermanagement module 595, and the memory 520.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for setting interworking of operation modesin an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIGS. 7A to 7B illustrates screen configurations for settinginterworking of operation modes in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step 601, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) determines whether the electronicdevice is connected to another electronic device (for example, theelectronic device 302 or 304 of FIG. 3 or the server 364) through acommunication link. For example, the communication link may include atleast one of a wireless link and a wired link.

When being connected to another electronic device through thecommunication link, the electronic device may display settinginformation for sharing of an operation mode on the display unit 350 instep 603. For example, when the electronic device 700 establishes acommunication link with another electronic device in FIG. 7A, theelectronic device 700 may determine whether the other electronic deviceis authenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device 700 may display notification information 710 fordetermining whether to share an operation mode on the display unit 350.When the other electronic device is not authenticated, the electronicdevice 700 may perform an authentication process with the otherelectronic device.

In step 605, the electronic device may determine whether a user acceptssetting of sharing. For example, the electronic device 700 may determinewhether “YES” 720 is selected in the notification information 710 fordetermining whether to share an operation mode in FIG. 7A.

When the user does not accept setting of sharing, the electronic devicemay recognize that there is no interworking of operation modes with theother electronic device with which the communication link isestablished. For example, when “NO” 710 is selected in the notificationinformation 710 for determining whether to share an operation mode inFIG. 7A, the electronic device may recognize that there is nointerworking of operation modes with the other electronic device withwhich the communication link is established. As another example, wheninput information is not detected for a reference period of time afterdisplay of the notification information 710 for determining whether toshare an operation mode in FIG. 7A, the electronic device may recognizethat there is no interworking of operation modes with the otherelectronic device with which the communication link is established.

When the setting of sharing is accepted in step 605, the electronicdevice may set interworking of operation modes with the other electronicdevice with which the communication link is established in step 607. Forexample, when “YES” 720 is selected in the notification information 710for determining whether to share an operation mode in FIG. 7A, theelectronic device may recognize that there is interworking of operationmodes with the other electronic device with which the communication linkis established. In this case, the electronic device is capable ofperforming interworking of operation modes with an another electronicdevice as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 20.

FIG. 8 is a process for switching to an activated mode upon connectionto another electronic device in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, in step 801, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) may operate in a deactivated mode.For example, the deactivated mode may include one or more of ascreensaver mode, a power saving mode, and a locked mode.

In step 803, the electronic device may establish a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364) by using one or more of a wired link and awireless link. For example, the electronic device (the electronic device300 of FIG. 3) may establish a communication link with anotherelectronic device by using an USB cable or a docking device. As anotherexample, the electronic device may establish a communication link withanother electronic device according to a short-range communicationscheme.

When establishing the communication link with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device switches to an activated mode in step 805.For example, when establishing the communication link with the otherelectronic device, the electronic device may determine whether the otherelectronic device is authenticated. When the other electronic device isauthenticated, the electronic device may recognize that the user is touse the electronic device according to the connection of the otherelectronic device and release a locked mode or perform a login process.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a process for transmitting operationstate information to another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, in step 901, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) may establish a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When establishing the communication link with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device checks operation state information of theelectronic device in step 903. For example, when establishing thecommunication link with the other electronic device, the electronicdevice may determine whether the other electronic device isauthenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device checks operation state information that is to betransmitted to the other electronic device with which the communicationlink is established. For example, the operation state information mayinclude one or more of activated state information of the electronicdevice, deactivated state information of the electronic device, andinformation associated with an application program that is executed inthe electronic device.

When checking the operation state information of the electronic device,the electronic device may transmit the operation state information ofthe electronic device to the other electronic device in step 905.

Thereafter, the electronic device determines whether an operation modeof the electronic device is changed in step 907.

When the operation mode of the electronic device is changed, theelectronic device may transmit changed operation state information ofthe electronic device to the other electronic device in step 905.

When it is determined that the operation mode is not changed in step907, the electronic device may determine whether the connection with theother electronic device is released in step 909.

When the connection with the other electronic device is not released,the electronic device determines whether the operation mode of theelectronic device is changed in step 907.

When it is determined that the connection with the other electronicdevice is released in step 909, the electronic device ends thealgorithm.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a process for determining anoperation mode based on operation state information provided fromanother electronic device in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, in step 1001, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 100 of FIG. 3) may establish a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device checks operation state information of theother electronic device with which the communication link is establishedin step S1003. For example, the electronic device may receive operationstate information of the other electronic device from the otherelectronic device.

In step 1005, the electronic device may determine an operation mode ofthe electronic device based on the operation state information of theother electronic device with which the communication link isestablished. For example, when the other electronic device operates in adeactivated mode, the electronic device may determine a deactivated modeas the operation mode of the electronic device. For example, when theother electronic device operates in an activated mode, the electronicdevice may determine an activated mode as the operation mode of theelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may determine anactivated mode or a deactivated mode as an operation mode of theelectronic device according to characteristics of an application programexecuted in the other electronic device.

When the operation mode of the electronic device is determined accordingto the operation state information of the other electronic device, theelectronic device may perform the determined operation mode in step1007. For example, the electronic device deactivates the display unit350 of the electronic device according to characteristics of theapplication program that is executed in the other electronic device. Forexample, the electronic device may operate in a power saving modeaccording to the characteristics of the application program that isexecuted in the other electronic device. For example, the electronicdevice may switch the electronic device to a locked mode according tothe characteristics of the application program that is executed in theother electronic device.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device switchesbetween operation modes of the electronic device according to theoperation mode of the electronic device determined according to theoperation state information of the other electronic device. For example,when it is determined that the other electronic device connected to theelectronic device is in an unlocked state, the electronic device mayswitch to an activated mode. When it is determined that the otherelectronic device connected to the electronic device is in a lockedstate (for example, a locked mode), the electronic device may operate ina deactivated mode.

In the above embodiment, the electronic device may transmit operationstate information of the electronic device to another electronic devicefor interworking of operation modes with the other electronic devicewith which the communication link is established.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may determine an operationmode of the other electronic device according to operation stateinformation of the electronic device and notify another electronicdevice of the determined operation mode for interworking of operationmodes with the other electronic device with which the communication linkis established. For example, when the electronic device operates in adeactivated mode, the electronic device may transmit a signal requestinga switching to a deactivated state to another electronic device asillustrated in FIG. 11. For example, when the other electronic deviceoperates in an activated mode, the electronic device may transmit asignal requesting a switching to an activated state to the otherelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may determine anoperation mode of the other electronic device according tocharacteristics of an application program executed in the electronicdevice and notify the other electronic device of the determinedoperation mode.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a process for transmittinginformation on switching to a deactivated mode to another electronicdevice in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, in step 1101, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) may establish a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When establishing the communication link with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device determines whether there is an event forswitching to a deactivated mode in step 1103. For example, when thecommunication link is established with the other electronic device, theelectronic device may determine whether the other electronic device isauthenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device may determine whether there is an event for switchingto a deactivated mode. For example, occurrence or non-occurrence of theevent for switching to a deactivated mode may be determined based on oneor more of driving information of the electronic device and user inputinformation.

When there is the event for switching to a deactivated mode, theelectronic device may transmit information on switching to a deactivatedmode to the other electronic device in step 1105.

Thereafter, the electronic device switches an operation mode of theelectronic device to a deactivated mode in step 1107.

In the above-described embodiment, when there is the event for switchingto a deactivated mode (step 1103), the electronic device transmits theinformation on switching to a deactivated mode to the other electronicdevice (step 1105) and switches to a deactivated mode (step 1107). Theelectronic device may perform the process of transmitting theinformation on switching to a deactivated mode to the other electronicdevice (step 1105) and the process of switching to the deactivated mode(step 1107) in parallel.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for switching to a deactivated modeaccording to information on switching to a deactivated mode providedfrom another electronic device in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, in step S1201, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device may operate in an activated mode in step1203. For example, when the communication link is established with theother electronic device, the electronic device may determine whether theother electronic device is authenticated. When the other electronicdevice is authenticated, the electronic device may recognize that theuser is to use the electronic device according to the connection of theother electronic device, and release a locked mode or perform a loginprocess.

In step 1205, the electronic device may determine whether information onswitching to a deactivated mode is received from the other electronicdevice.

When the information on switching to a deactivated mode is not receivedfrom the other electronic device, the electronic device may operate inan activated mode in step 1203.

When it is determined that the information on switching to a deactivatedmode is received from the other electronic device in step 1205, theelectronic device may switch an operation mode of the electronic deviceto a deactivated mode in step 1207. For example, the electronic devicemay deactivate the display unit 250. As another example, the electronicdevice may operate in a power saving mode. As another example, theelectronic device may operate in a locked mode.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing adeactivated-mode control variable depending on whether an electronicdevice is connected to another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step 1301, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) may establish a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device may set a deactivated mode by using afirst deactivated-mode control variable according to the connection withthe other electronic device in step 1303. For example, when establishingthe communication link with the other electronic device, the electronicdevice may determine whether the other electronic device isauthenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device may set a deactivated mode by using the firstdeactivated-mode control variable. For example, the deactivated-modecontrol variable may include a time point at which a switching to thedeactivated mode is performed.

In step 1305, the electronic device may determine whether the connectionwith the other electronic device is released.

When the connection with the other electronic device is released, theelectronic device may set a deactivated mode by using a seconddeactivated-mode control variable according to the release of theconnection with the other electronic device in step 1307.

As described above, the electronic device may set a deactivated mode ofthe electronic device differently by using the first deactivated-modecontrol variable or the second deactivated-mode control variabledepending on whether the electronic device establishes the communicationlink with the other electronic device. For example, when thecommunication link is established with the other electronic device, theelectronic device may recognize that a user is located adjacent to theelectronic device in order to use the electronic device. Accordingly,the electronic device increases a time used for or required to switch toa deactivated mode by using the first deactivated-mode control variable,compared to a case where the communication link is not established withthe other electronic device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing a securitymode depending on whether an electronic device is connected to anotherelectronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, in step S1401, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device may set a security mode of the electronicdevice to a first security mode according to the connection with theother electronic device in step 1403. For example, when thecommunication link is established with the other electronic device, theelectronic device may determine whether the other electronic device isauthenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device may set a security mode of the electronic device tothe first security mode. For example, the security mode may include oneor more of an authentication method, the number of times ofauthentication, and identity data of the electronic device.

In step 1405, the electronic device may determine whether the connectionwith the other electronic device is released.

When the connection with the other electronic device is released, theelectronic device may set a security mode of the electronic device to asecond security mode according to the release of the connection with theother electronic device in step 1407. For example, the first securitymode and the second security mode include different securityinformation.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device may set asecurity mode differently depending on whether the electronic device isconnected to the other electronic device. For example, the electronicdevice may perform setting to release a locked state by using firstidentity data when the electronic device is connected to the otherelectronic device, and perform setting to release a locked state byusing second identity data when the electronic device is not connectedto the other electronic device.

When a communication link is not established between a plurality ofelectronic devices, at least one of an authentication method, the numberof times of authentication, and identity data may be set to be differentbetween the electronic devices. When a communication link is notestablished between a plurality of electronic devices, at least one ofan authentication method, the number of times of authentication, andidentity data may be set to be the same between at least some of theplurality of electronic devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to anactivated mode upon the connection to another electronic device in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15, in step 1501, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device checks a distance between the electronicdevice and the other electronic device in step 1503. For example, whenthe communication link is established with the other electronic device,the electronic device may determine whether the other electronic deviceis authenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device may check the distance between the electronic deviceand the other electronic device. For example, the electronic device mayrequest location information from the other electronic device and checkthe distance between the electronic device and the other electronicdevice. For example, the electronic device may recognize the distancebetween the two electronic devices based on the location information ofthe other electronic device and location information of the electronicdevice.

For example, the electronic device may check the distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device by using one or moresensors included in the electronic device. For example, the electronicdevice may use pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) in order to check arelative location of the other electronic device with respect to theelectronic device.

For example, the electronic device may check the distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device based on a signalstrength associated with the other electronic device. For example, theelectronic device may recognize the distance between the two electronicdevices by comparing a strength value of a signal (for example, receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI)) transmitted from the other electronicdevice with a preset reference value.

In step 1505, the electronic device may compare the distance between thetwo electronic devices with a reference distance to determine whetherthe other electronic device is located within the reference distance.

When the distance between the electronic device and the other electronicdevice is shorter than the reference distance, the electronic device mayrecognize the other electronic device as being located within thereference distance. Accordingly, the electronic device switches anoperation mode of the electronic device to an activated mode in step1507. For example, when the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established is located within the referencedistance, the electronic device may determine interworking of operationmodes with the other electronic device. Therefore, the electronic devicemay release a locked mode of the electronic device or perform a loginprocess.

As described above, when the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established is located within the referencedistance, the electronic device may release an authentication processfor one or more of the electronic device and the other electronicdevice.

In the above-described embodiment, when the other electronic device withwhich the communication link is established is located within thereference distance, the electronic device may determine interworking ofoperation modes with the other electronic device and switch to anactivated mode.

In another embodiment, when the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established is located within the referencedistance during a reference period of time, the electronic device maydetermine interworking of operation modes with the other electronicdevice and switch to an activated mode.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a process for selectively performinginterworking of operation modes with another electronic device in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, in step 1601, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device may operate in a deactivated mode in step1603. For example, when the electronic device does not detect a userinput information through the other electronic device and the electronicdevice for a reference period of time, the electronic device may switchto a deactivated mode. For example, the electronic device may switch toa deactivated mode based on operation state information of the otherelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may switch to adeactivated mode according to the user input information.

In step 1605, the electronic device may determine whether there is anevent for switching to an activated mode using a first security mode.For example, the electronic device may determine whether identity datacorresponding to the first security mode is input. As another example,the electronic device may determine whether authentication informationfor an authentication method corresponding to the first security mode isinput.

When there is an event for switching to an activated mode using thefirst security mode, the electronic device may determine interworking ofoperation modes with the other electronic device with which thecommunication link is established. Therefore, the electronic device maytransmit activated mode switching information to the other electronicdevice in step 1607.

Thereafter, the electronic device switches an operation mode of theelectronic device to an activated mode in step 1609. For example, theelectronic device may release a locked mode of the electronic device orperform a login process.

When it is determined that there is no event for switching to anactivated mode using the first security mode in step 1605, theelectronic device determines whether there is an event for switching toan activated mode using the second security mode in step 1611. Forexample, the electronic device may determine whether identity datacorresponding to the second security mode is input. As another example,the electronic device may determine whether authentication informationfor an authentication method corresponding to the second security modeis input.

When there is an event for switching to an activated mode using thesecond security mode, the electronic device may determine that there isno interworking of operation modes with the other electronic device withwhich the communication link is established. Accordingly, the electronicdevice switches an operation mode of the electronic device to anactivated mode in step 1609. For example, the electronic device mayswitch an operation mode the electronic device to an activated modewithout transmitting activated mode switching information to the otherelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may release alocked mode of the electronic device or perform a login process.

In the above-described embodiment, when there is an event for switchingto an activated mode, which corresponds to the first security mode, theelectronic device may transmit activated mode switching information tothe other electronic device with which the communication link isestablished. For example, when a communication link is establishedbetween a plurality of electronic devices, the plurality of electronicdevices may share identity data for releasing a locked state (forexample, at least one of a password, a lock pattern, an object fromwhich biometric information is recognized) in at least some electronicdevices of the plurality of electronic devices. When at least oneelectronic device of the plurality of electronic devices between which acommunication link is established recognizes identity data for releasinga locked state in at least some electronic devices, the at least oneelectronic device that recognizes the identity data may perform controlso as to release the locked state of the at least some electronicdevices.

As described above, the electronic device may selectively performinterworking of operation modes with the other electronic device withwhich the communication link is established, according to a securitymode for switching to an activated state.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to anactivated mode according to an activated mode switching informationprovided from another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, in step 1701, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device may operate in a deactivated mode in step1703. For example, when the electronic device does not detect user inputinformation through the other electronic device and the electronicdevice for a reference period of time, the electronic device may switchto a deactivated mode. For example, the electronic device may switch toa deactivated mode based on operation state information of the otherelectronic device. As another example, the electronic device may switchto a deactivated mode according to the user input information.

In step 1705, the electronic device may determine whether activated modeswitching information is received from the other electronic device withwhich the communication link is established. For example, the otherelectronic device may transmit the activated mode switching informationin the case of determining interworking of operation modes with theelectronic device according to the security mode for switching to anactivated state as illustrated in FIG. 16. Therefore, the electronicdevice may determine whether activated mode switching information isreceived from the other electronic device with which the communicationlink is established.

When the activated mode switching information is not received from theother electronic device, the electronic device operates in a deactivatedmode in step 1703.

When it is determined that the activated mode switching information isreceived from the other electronic device in step 1705, the electronicdevice switches an operation mode of the electronic device to anactivated mode in step 1707. For example, the electronic device mayrelease a locked mode of the electronic device or perform a loginprocess.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of a process for sharing security stateinformation with another electronic device in an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, in step 1801, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

In step 1803, the electronic device may perform authentication (forexample, user authentication) according to input information providedthrough the input unit 340.

When the authentication is successful according to the input informationprovided through the input unit 340, the electronic device may switch anoperation mode of the electronic device to an activated mode in step1811. For example, the electronic device may release a locked mode ofthe electronic device or perform a login process.

When the authentication fails according to the input informationprovided through the input unit 340, the electronic device may check thenumber of times of failure of authentication for interworking ofoperation modes in step 1805. For example, the electronic device maycheck the number of times of failure of authentication for a referenceperiod of time in the electronic device and the number of times offailure of authentication for the reference period of time in the otherelectronic device with which the communication link is established.

In step 1807, the electronic device may determine whether the number oftimes of failure of authentication for interworking of operation modesis greater than a reference number.

When the number of times of failure of authentication for interworkingof operation modes is equal to or less than the reference number, theelectronic device may again perform authentication according to inputinformation again provided through the input unit 340 in step 1803.

When it is determined that the number of times of failure ofauthentication for interworking of operation modes is greater than thereference number in step 1807, the electronic device may reset asecurity level of at least one of the electronic device and the otherelectronic device in step 1809. For example, the electronic device mayset a security level to increase. For example, the electronic device mayperform user authentication.

In addition, when it is determined that the number of times of failureof authentication for interworking of operation modes is greater thanthe reference number in step 1807, the electronic device may recognizethat there is the number of times of failure of authentication for whichis the same as that in the electronic device, and request the otherelectronic device to perform an operation according to failure ofauthentication for interworking for operation modes. For example, in thecase of setting the security level of the electronic device to increase,the electronic device may request a security level of the otherelectronic device to be adjusted to increase.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a process for switching to adeactivated mode upon the release of connection with another electronicdevice in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 19, in step S1901, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) may determine whether a wired linkconnection with another electronic device (for example, the electronicdevice 302 or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) with which acommunication link has been established and with which interworking ofoperation modes is performed.

When the wired link connection with the other electronic device isreleased, the electronic device may acquire a distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device by using a wirelesslink with the other electronic device in step 1903. For example, whenelectronic device is connected to another electronic device through awired link or a wireless link and performs interworking of operationmodes with the other electronic device, the electronic device may checka distance between the electronic device and the other electronic deviceby using the wireless link with the other electronic device upon therelease of the wired link with the other electronic device. For example,when the wired link connection with the other electronic device isreleased, the electronic device may acquire a distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device by using the wirelesslink with the other electronic device. For example, the electronicdevice may request location information from the other electronic deviceand check the distance between the electronic device and the otherelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may check thedistance between the electronic device and the other electronic deviceby using one or more sensors included in the electronic device. Forexample, the electronic device may check the distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device based on a signalstrength associated with the other electronic device.

In step 1905, the electronic device may compare the distance between thetwo electronic devices with a reference distance to determine whetherthe other electronic device moves outside the reference distance.

When the distance between the electronic device and the other electronicdevice is equal to or shorter than the reference distance, theelectronic device may determine that the other electronic device islocated within the reference distance and a communication link iscapable of being established. Accordingly, in step 1903, the electronicdevice may check the distance between the electronic device and theother electronic device.

When it is determined that the distance between the electronic deviceand the other electronic device is equal to or shorter than thereference distance, the electronic device may determine that the otherelectronic device moves outside the reference distance and acommunication link is not to be established in future. Accordingly, theelectronic device switches an operation mode of the electronic device toa deactivated mode in step 1907.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a process for changing a securitylevel according to a distance between an electronic device and anotherelectronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, in step 2001, the electronic device (for example,the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) establishes a communication linkwith another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 302or 304, or the server 364 in FIG. 3) by using at least one of a wiredlink and a wireless link. For example, the electronic device mayestablish a communication link with another electronic device by usingan USB cable or a docking device. As another example, the electronicdevice may establish a communication link with another electronic deviceaccording to a short-range communication scheme.

When the communication link is established with the other electronicdevice, the electronic device checks a distance between the electronicdevice and the other electronic device in step 2003. For example, whenthe communication link is established with the other electronic device,the electronic device may determine whether the other electronic deviceis authenticated. When the other electronic device is authenticated, theelectronic device may perform interworking of operation modes with theother electronic device. The electronic device may check the distancebetween the electronic device and the other electronic device duringinterworking of operation modes with the other electronic device. Forexample, the electronic device may request location information from theother electronic device and check the distance between the electronicdevice and the other electronic device.

For example, the electronic device may check the distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device by using one or moresensors included in the electronic device. For example, when at leastone of a plurality of electronic device located within a reference rangemoves, the moving electronic device may determine a relative locationwith respect to a location at which the electronic device has beenlocated before movement by using one or more of an acceleration sensor,a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor included in the electronicdevice. For example, the electronic device may use pedestrian deadreckoning (PDR) in order to determine a relative location of the otherelectronic device with respect to the electronic device.

For example, the electronic device may check the distance between theelectronic device and the other electronic device based on a signalstrength associated with the other electronic device.

In step 2005, the electronic device may compare the distance between thetwo electronic devices with a reference distance to determine whetherthe other electronic device is located within the reference distance.

When the distance between the electronic device and the other electronicdevice is equal to or shorter than the reference distance, theelectronic device may determine that the other electronic device islocated within the reference distance and maintains a security levelthereof. Accordingly, in step 2003, the electronic device may check thedistance between the electronic device and the other electronic device.

When it is determined that the distance between the electronic deviceand the other electronic device is equal to or shorter than thereference distance, the electronic device may determine that the otherelectronic device moves outside the reference distance and there is aneed to change a security level thereof. Accordingly, in step 2007, theelectronic device may change the security level of the electronicdevice. For example, when a counterpart electronic device with which acommunication link is established and interworking of operation modes isperformed is spaced apart from the electronic device by more than areference distance, the electronic device may prevent a payment-relatedapplication program from being executed in at least one of theelectronic device and the other electronic device. As another example,the electronic device may switch an operation mode of at least one ofthe electronic device and the other electronic device to a deactivatedmode. For example, when the distance between the electronic device andthe other electronic device is longer than a reference distance, theelectronic device may perform control such that at least one electronicdevice of the electronic device and the other electronic device performsat least one of a screensaver function, a power saving function, and alock function.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device may change asecurity level based on a distance between the electronic device andanother electronic device with which interworking of operation modes isperformed. For example, when another electronic device is a wearableelectronic device, the electronic device may selectively change asecurity level based on a distance between the electronic device and theother electronic device depending on whether a user wears the otherelectronic device. For example, the electronic device may determinewhether a wearable electronic device is worn by a user based on sensorinformation of the wearable electronic device with which interworking ofoperation modes is performed. For example, when the wearable electronicdevice is worn by the user, the electronic device may change a securitylevel based on the distance between the electronic device and thewearable electronic device.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality ofelectronic devices, connected to one another through wired communicationand wireless communication, share information associated with operationsof the electronic devices with one another, thereby improving userconvenience for the plurality of electronic devices.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the disclosureis defined not by the detailed description of the disclosure but by theappended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construedas being included in the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a first electronic device,the method comprising: establishing wired communication with a secondelectronic device; receiving state information from the secondelectronic device via the established wired connection; identifying anoperation mode of the second electronic device based on the receivedstate information; and unlocking the first electronic device when theidentified operation mode of second electronic device comprises anunlocked mode; determining whether the wired communication with thesecond electronic device is released; determining whether to switch to alocked mode based on information related to a distance between the firstelectronic device and the second electronic device after the wiredcommunication with the second electronic device is determined to bereleased; and switching to the locked mode according to the determiningof whether to switch.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein identifiableoperation modes of the second electronic device further include one ormore of a screensaver mode, a power saving mode, a locked mode, astandby mode, and an activated mode.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first electronic device comprises a laptop computer.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the second electronic device comprises a mobilephone.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when an operationmode of the first electronic device is changed, providing stateinformation of the first electronic device to the second electronicdevice.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic deviceswitches to the locked mode based on determining that the distancebetween the first electronic device and the second electronic device isgreater than a reference distance.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving, by the first electronic device, information aboutan application program currently executing on the second electronicdevice via the established wired communication.
 8. A first electronicdevice comprising: a communication unit; a sensor; and a processorconfigured to at least: establish wired communication with a secondelectronic device; receive state information from the second electronicdevice through the communication unit; identify an operation mode of thesecond electronic device based on the received state information; unlockthe first electronic device when the identified operation mode of secondelectronic device comprises an unlocked mode; determine whether thewired communication with the second electronic device is released;determine whether to switch to a locked mode based on informationrelated to a distance between the first electronic device and the secondelectronic device after the wired communication with the secondelectronic device is determined to be released; and switch to the lockedmode according to the determining of whether to switch.
 9. The firstelectronic device of claim 8, wherein identifiable operation modes ofthe second electronic device further include at least one of ascreensaver mode, a power saving mode, a locked mode, a standby mode,and an activated mode.
 10. The first electronic device of claim 8,wherein the first electronic device comprises a laptop computer.
 11. Thefirst electronic device of claim 8, wherein the second electronic devicecomprises a mobile phone.
 12. The first electronic device of claim 8,wherein the processor is configured to, when an operation mode of thefirst electronic device is changed, transmit state information of thefirst electronic device to the second electronic device.
 13. The firstelectronic device of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured toswitch the first electronic device to the locked mode based ondetermining that the distance between the first electronic device andthe second electronic device is greater than a reference distance. 14.The first electronic device of claim 8, wherein the first electronicdevice receives information about an application program currentlyexecuting on the second electronic device via the established wiredcommunication.